Effective and long-term solution for varicose veins

As individuals age, certain complications affect the normal activities that are performed as part of daily living. Some of the ailments that affect leg are venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Under normal condition, the one-way valves in veins ensure blood flow towards the heart, against gravity force. When these valves do not perform their function, then blood flows backwards (reflux), resulting in venous insufficiency. The symptoms seen in this condition are related to increased pressure within the veins and include throbbing, aching, heaviness and fatigue. These worsen as the day progresses. In severe cases, it may injure the skin close to the ankle, resulting in scars and dark pigmentation.

Varicose veins affect one out of two individuals beyond the age of 50 and older, and 5 to 25 percent of all adults. The risk factors include growing age, family history, jobs which require pro-longed sitting or standing and obesity. Among women, multiple pregnancies are an important factor that causes venous insufficiency an interventional radiologist, a doctor trained in the diagnosis and in minimally invasive treatment of all types of venous disorders can assess the clinical situation by analyzing the history. Clinical examination and also a duplex ultra-sound examination of the patient's venous system. Vein ablation treatment is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment for venous insufficiency.

After giving local anesthesia to the skin over a vein, interventional radiologist, inserts catheter, a thin tube like structure into the vein through which laser or radio frequency energy is applied to seal it. With the closure of abnormal vein, the veins shrink and improve in appearance. Once the affected vein is closed, the surrounding healthy veins get relieved and normal blood flow is re-established. The treatment offers quick relief from symptoms. Individuals can attend to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, with-out any discomfort. Some minor soreness or bruising may be seen that is relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Since the procedure doesn't need any surgical incision, there are no chances of scars. Endogenous ablation has a success rate of 95 percent in closing the vein compared to traditional surgery and can be done along with microphlebectomy and injection sclerotherapy.Microphlebectomy removes bulging varicose veins while sclerotherapy is used for treating varicose and spider veins. With these two methods, recovery becomes rapid.

M.D., FRCR (England)

Fellow in International Radiology-USA,

Hyderabad Endovascular Clinic Private Limited.

Mobile: 9908677715, 9989527715